Memorial will honour Lumby woman killed two years ago

A bench is being installed in the Lumby community gardens to honour and remember teacher Linda Ross.

Image Credit: Contributed

May 24, 2016 - 8:00 PM

VERNON - The community is making sure a Lumby woman killed two years ago is never forgotten.

A memorial event is being held June 5 to celebrate the life of teacher Linda Ross, the victim of an alleged murder in June 2014. The event will include stories about Ross, a smudging ceremony, and the unveiling of a bench in Lumby’s community gardens in her honour.

Colleague Kathi Shields was one of many community members who came together to arrange the event and the creation of the bench.

She knew Ross for roughly six years while the two of them worked at Cross Roads in Lumby, part of School District 22’s Alternate Learning Program.

“She always had a way of making people feel important and that they’re worth it,” Shields says. “She was an incredible person.”

“I thought it was a good time to do the dedication of the bench the same time as he goes to trial,” Shields says. “I wanted to give her some positive recognition. It’s going to be upsetting to hear what happened, so it’s nice to have something positive.”

While donations were collected through a Go Fund Me account, Shields says the bench was ultimately donated by a local man. Some funds were used for a plaque, but the remainder have been donated to the SPCA in honour of Ross’ love for animals.

“My hope is that the people who love Linda will have a place to go and a beautiful spot to sit and reflect on their memories. Even for students who have kids now to come back and sit on the bench and talk about Linda to their children,” Shields says.

During the ceremony, attendees will have the opportunity to stand up and share a story or a memory about Ross if they wish.

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